There was widespread outrage on Friday following the reported sexual assault and harassment of several women and female students during a traditional festival in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred during the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival held on Thursday, March 19, where youths allegedly attacked women in different parts of the town.
Videos that surfaced on social media showed disturbing scenes of young women being chased, stripped and molested in broad daylight, triggering condemnation nationwide.
In one widely circulated clip, a young woman seated on a motorcycle was dragged to the ground by a group of youths who tore her clothes and assaulted her. In another, a woman was seen running as attackers pulled at her dress, exposing her, while a separate video captured a victim struggling to shield herself from a mob.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of victims could not be independently verified.
Residents described the festival as a traditional fertility rite believed to invoke blessings for couples seeking children.
However, it involves controversial customs, including restrictions on women’s movement during certain hours.
Locals said women were warned not to go outdoors during the ritual period, as those who disobey risk being harassed.
A female resident, who spoke anonymously, said:
“The organisers announced that no woman should go out. Many of us stayed indoors out of fear.”
Several residents confirmed that businesses were shut and non-indigenes fled the area during the festival.
On social media, a user identified as Vallery said she remained indoors for safety, writing, “So bad. I locked myself inside the house.” Another user, Slim Mama, added, “I have been too scared to step outside.”
Reacting to the incident, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, Anthony Ogbogbo, said he was unaware of the festival and condemned the acts.
“I have been a king for over 20 years. I have never heard of a festival where girls are harassed or molested in my community,” he said.
The Student Union Government President of Southern Delta University, Oribelua Precious, confirmed that some victims were students and had been taken to hospital.
According to him, while no confirmed cases of rape were recorded, the assaults were serious and alarming.
Attempted rape is a serious matter. What we saw on video may not even reflect everything that happened,” he said.
In a joint statement, community leaders acknowledged that some youths acted irresponsibly and condemned the attacks, stating that such behaviour was not part of their culture.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to student safety.
The group called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure justice for victims.
The Delta State Government condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, said no cultural event should serve as a cover for criminal acts.
“Such acts have no place in our society. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of a community leader, Omorede Sunday, and four others believed to be organisers of the festival.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, adding that investigations were ongoing.
“No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” he stated.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the incident as disturbing and ordered that all perpetrators be brought to justice.
“No cultural practice can justify sexual violence,” she said.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerians, activists and public figures.
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili described the situation as a failure of governance and policing.
“When women are told to stay indoors to avoid attack, it signals a collapse of law and order,” she said.
Legal and human rights experts also stressed that no tradition can override constitutional rights.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said restricting women’s movement or exposing them to harm under cultural pretexts violates the law.
A coalition of over 500 women’s rights organisations under Womanifesto described the incident as “organised abuse” and called for immediate prosecution of those responsible.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on the limits of cultural practices in Nigeria.
Experts warn that while traditional festivals remain an important part of community identity, they must align with modern legal standards and respect fundamental human rights.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are calling for accountability and reforms to ensure such incidents do not recur.
